what grade of brake fulid should i use for my newage sti 7?? as on the lid it saids DOT 3 only, i am pretty sure it was Dot 4 on classics?? can anyone help me out?
also how much is needed for changing the brake fluid? any good brands??

 

anyone?

 

Like most of the fluid specs from manufacturers DOT 3 is minimum spec, use what you want to that or above.
Also depends on how you use it, trackdays? Then some suggest DOT 5.1.
I use Castrol Super Response, DOT 4, in my 99 Classic but I ain't the last of the late brakers often.
If thinking of silicone fluid be aware it doesn't mix with normal stuff and system should be cleaned out first.
I note from the spec sheet that, for instance, Silkolene Pro Race 2000 fluid is rated for use where DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 is specified.

I use 1 litre for clutch and brakes.
Some here will use 2 litres to give a good flush.

 

Strongly suggest avoiding silicon fluid, see what AP Racing say.

Lots of the better competition fluids come in at a lower DOT number than you'd expect, AP Racing 551 is only Dot 3 for example. Something to do with the DOT tests being done after 2 years in the car and the competition fluids being designed to be changed much more frequently.

So probably recommend a branded DOT4 for road use, Castrol Response for example, or AP Racing 551 for competition use and change it each season.

 

hi there

thanks alot, so DOT 4 will be fine on my sti with brembos??

 

I've got a MY00 UK Classic and the cap said DOT3 when I looked at it today.

There's a bit of science behind DOT ratings but DOT5.1 is damn good and not overly expensive so should be fine. DOT3/4 are glycol-based fluids and absorb water whereas DOT5 is silicon-based and doesn't. As DOT3/4 absorbs moisture its boiling point decreases. DOT5 doesn't absorb moisture so doesn't... but it's quite expensive if my memory serves me correctly and harder to get hold of.

DOT5.1 is a good compromise between 3 and 5, although ironically is glycol-based. The main advantage of 5.1 is that it has a higher boiling point dry or wet -- its dry boiling point (approx. 275 deg c) is almost as high as racing fluid and its wet point (approx. 175 to 200 deg c) is much higher than racing fluid. It's also okay with rubber components so doesn't encourage premature wear.

Get a couple of litres so you can do a proper flush and remember to label the filler cap accordingly.

Hope this helps.

Jonts.

 

personally would never use silicon based dot5 fluid in any performance road car.........one of its +points is it doesn't absorb moisture, however this means that water can build up in various parts of your system and this then causes problems at high temps when it boils to steam!!!

it is also not compatible with all types of seals.............

stick with std style dot 3,4 or 5.1 that suits your use...........

alyn

 

I use Lockheed Delphi Ultra 5.1 in mine. It's the same stuff AP ship with their big brake kits.

 

Jus read this post and am now concerned about using Silkolene Pro Race 2000 DOT 4. Will this sufer the same problems. Was about to do my braided hoses and refill with this?

 

you'll not have any issues with the pro-race / its a dot4 based performance fluid...............there are better ones out there in terms of performance and value for money - but its pretty good

alyn

 

Would the the AP racing 5.1 formula stuff be a berter choice?

 

for road use, yes.................for more track type driving then the pro-race is probs a better bet...................or better still Motul RBF 600 (competition type use)

alyn

 

AP racing brake fluids are made by Motul with similar specs and boiling points thus you can buy whichever you want but preferably DOT 5.1 for road use.
DOT5 refers to silicon based fluids that you should avoid in every case.
JIM

 

As Alyn states, Motuls RBF600......I got mine from ScoobyShop.

 

Same here after a fair bit of research and a chat with Oilman. Seems to be a sensible choice.

 

ATE super blue is another VERY good choice if you don't want to change them frequently as 600's require!